FFA Cup: Canberra FC take relaxed approach into milestone clash
Canberra FC will take a relaxed approach into one of the biggest games in the club's history, coach Paul Macor urging his team to "have a bit of fun" in the FFA Cup round of 32 clash on Wednesday night.
Canberra FC will play Broadmeadow Magic at Deakin Stadium and will ride a wave of confidence after dominating the Canberra premier league competition this season.
Canberra FC is at the top of the ladder in the capital's first-grade competition, scoring 36 goals and conceding just nine in their 12 games.
Canberra teams have an impressive history in the FFA Cup. Tuggeranong United made the quarter finals in 2014 and Canberra Olympic made the semi-final in 2016.
Both Tuggeranong and Olympic were knocked out of the title race by A-League teams, but Macor says there's no pressure on his players to emulate the feats of the past.
"I just want the guys to out there and perform to their best ability and just go and have a bit of fun," Macor said.
"It was something that the guys actually wanted to do pre-season to get to the last 32 of the FFA Cup. Going through will be a bonus, not only for the boys but for myself. I’m not putting any pressure on anyone."
Canberra FC captain Ian Graham said his team was determined to chase some silverware after losing four premier league grand finals in a row between 2013-16.
"It’s been exciting because there’s been a lot of ups and downs over the last few years. This season’s been really positive so far so we want to continue that through this tournament as far as we can,” Graham said.
"I’m very proud. We haven’t done it before like I said as a club, but also personally I want to give the best I can and lead the boys as best I can and hopefully we get a win.
“Anything from now is just a bonus. It’s uncharted territory [for Canberra FC] so we’ve just gotta put a good show on and hopefully find our way through."
Canberra FC has built its success this year on rock-solid defence and blistering attack. The nine goals they’ve conceded is nine less goals than any other side in Canberra.
"We can’t just single out the backline because it actually starts from the forwards all the way back from everyone getting behind the ball," Macor said.
"We’ve got the best defence and best attack in the league so the whole performance is with the whole team."
Broadmeadow boasts former A-League players James Virgili of the Newcastle Jets and ex-Brisbane Roar midfielder Mitchell Oxborrow and are second in Northern NSW premier league.
"It’s going to be tough. We know that," Graham said. "I think they’re probably a little more physical than our league."
Canberra FC will be backing up after just their second loss of the year last weekend, but Graham is optimistic about their ability to overcome the challenge of facing the five time Northern NSW champions.
"We’ve just gotta focus on our game. I think on our day we could beat anyone at the moment. We’re not gonna get over-awed by playing them."
FFA CUP ROUND OF 32
Wednesday: Canberra FC v Broadmeadow Magic at Deakin Stadium, 7.30pm.